Palo Alto, CA

(650) 272-0540

Chiropractic service

Spinal decompression

Non-surgical, table-based care, offered when the assessment shows it fits.

The spinal decompression table at The Function Chiropractic in Palo Alto

Spinal decompression uses a specialized table to apply a controlled stretch to the spine while you lie on it. Whether it is appropriate depends on the assessment that comes first: your history, any imaging you already have, and what the examination finds. What a session involves, how long it lasts and what you may feel are explained before the first one.

Whether this is right for you

This describes a service the practice offers. It is not advice about your situation and it is not a diagnosis. Whether this or anything else is appropriate for you is what an assessment is for, and sometimes the answer is a referral elsewhere.

Booking starts a conversation, not a course of treatment. What happens after the first assessment is decided together.

What that involves

  • Assessment first
  • What a session involves explained before it starts
  • You can decline any part of a visit without it being a problem

Your first visit

Three steps, and none of them is a surprise

The first appointment is mostly conversation and assessment. Knowing the shape of it in advance takes most of the nervousness out of the door.

  1. Step 1

    Share what is going on

    You describe what brought you in, how long it has been going on, what makes it better or worse, and what you are trying to get back to. This part is not a formality — it is what everything after it is built on.

  2. Step 2

    Receive an assessment

    A structured examination: how you move, how you load, what changes with position. Each part is explained as it happens, and you can stop at any point.

  3. Step 3

    Discuss an individualized care plan

    You are told what was observed, what is suggested, what the alternatives are, and what would make the plan change. You decide what happens next, including deciding not to.

An adjusting table by the windows in a treatment room at The Function Chiropractic in Palo Alto

One thing worth saying plainly

Not every first visit includes hands-on care. Whether an adjustment or any other technique is appropriate is what the assessment is for, and sometimes the right answer is a referral elsewhere.

In most cases no, you can book directly. Some insurance plans do require a referral before they will cover visits, which is a question for your plan rather than for the practice — it is worth checking before your first appointment if you intend to use insurance.

Start with an assessment.

Tell us what is going on and what you want to get back to. Everything after that is decided together.

Booking starts a conversation, not a course of treatment. What happens after the first assessment is decided together.

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